Semiconductor device with a plurality of power supply systems

ABSTRACT

A protection circuit that includes a first power supply system including a first power supply and a first ground, a second power supply system including a second power supply and a second ground, the second power supply system being connected to the first power supply system via a signal line through which signal transfer is performed between a circuit in the first power supply system and a circuit in the second power supply system, and a control circuit that, when coupled to an electro-static discharge (ESD) stress being applied to the first power supply system controls a switch, the switch being provided between the signal line and the first power supply.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation Application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/656,447 which was filed on Jan. 23, 2007 nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,869,174.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a semiconductor device. Morespecifically, the invention relates to a device suitable for beingapplied to a semiconductor integrated circuit device including aplurality of power supply systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, semiconductor devices have been adapted to affordmultiple functions. Thus, there is a case where a plurality of powersupply systems are arranged in one semiconductor device, and for each ofthe power supply systems, one or a plurality of circuits are arranged.

In a semiconductor device where an analog circuit and a digital circuitare mixed, there is a case where respective powers are suppliedindependently to the digital circuit and the analog circuit (in otherwords, a power supply system is divided), in order to prevent noise inthe digital circuit from being transferred to the analog circuit.

In a transmitting/receiving portion in which a transfer of aninput/output signal is performed through a signal line between circuitsdriven by different power supply systems, respectively, it is necessaryto prevent a breakdown when an ESD (Electro-Static Discharge) stress isapplied.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a configuration of a conventionalsemiconductor device in which, a plurality of different power supplysystems are provided and the transfer of an input/output signal isperformed through a signal line between circuits driven by the powersupply systems, respectively (refer to Patent Document 1).

Referring to FIG. 25, a first circuit connected to a first power supplysystem comprises an analog section including an analog circuit (21), anoutput circuit (23), and an input protection circuit (25), for example.A second circuit connected to a second power supply system comprises adigital section including a digital circuit (22) and an input circuit(24). Both of the analog and digital sections are connected through asignal line (S11). To the analog section, power is supplied from a highpotential side power supply terminal (Vdd1) and a low potential sidepower supply terminal (Vss1). To the digital section, power is suppliedfrom a high potential side power supply terminal (Vdd2) and a lowpotential side power supply terminal (Vss2). The low potential sidepower supply terminal (Vss1) and the low potential side power supplyterminal (Vss2) are connected via a protection element (HK1).

When the low-potential side power supply terminal (Vss2) is grounded andthe ESD stress is applied from the high potential side power supplyterminal (Vdd1) in this device, for example, a potential on a signalline (S11) increases through a PMOS transistor constituting the outputcircuit (23) because the PMOS transistor is in an unstable state. Sincea source of an NMOS transistor in the input circuit (24) is grounded, apotential difference Vgs is generated between the source of the NMOStransistor and a gate of the NMOS transistor.

Since the gate-to-source voltage Vgs is the potential difference that isgenerated by the ESD stress application, this voltage may exceed abreakdown voltage for a gate oxide film of the NMOS transistor in theinput circuit (24). Accordingly, this voltage may cause breakdown of thegate oxide film of the NMOS transistor in the input circuit (24).

The above description was directed to an operation when the lowpotential side power supply terminal (Vss2) is grounded, and the ESDstress is applied from the high potential side power supply terminal(Vdd1). When the high potential side power supply terminal (Vdd2) isgrounded, and the ESD stress is applied from the high potential sidepower supply terminal (Vdd1) as well, a similar operation may cause thebreakdown of the gate oxide film of the PMOS transistor in the inputcircuit (24).

As a measure for reducing such a damage, there is a method of insertinga protection element such as an NMOS transistor (HK3), which preventsbreakdowns of gate oxide films of NMOS and PMOS transistors thatconstitute an input circuit (54), as shown in FIG. 26 (refer to PatentDocument 1).

The NMOS transistor (HK3) is in an OFF state during a normal operation,and does not affect transmission of a signal between an output circuit(53) and the input circuit (54).

When the low potential side power supply terminal (Vss2) is grounded andthe ESD stress is applied from the high potential side power supplyterminal (Vdd1) in this device, for example, a potential on the signalline (S11) increases through the PMOS transistor that constitutes theoutput circuit (53). When the potential exceeds a predeterminedpotential difference or more, the NMOS transistor (HK3) is turned on,and the signal line (S11) thereby has substantially the same potentialas the low potential side power supply terminal (Vss2). Thus, thebreakdown of the gate oxide film caused by an excessive increase in agate potential of the NMOS transistor in the input circuit (54) can beprevented.

[Patent Document 1]

-   JP Patent Kokai Publication No. JP-A-9-172146 (FIGS. 23 and 24, and    the like)

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In a configuration shown in FIG. 26, as a current that flows through theNMOS transistor (HK3), a current that exceeds discharging capability ofthe NMOS transistor (HK3) may flow into the NMOS transistor (HK3),depending on a circuit condition such as a gate width of the PMOStransistor in the output circuit (53), which may cause a damage to theNMOS transistor (HK3) itself. For this reason, in order to obtain astable ESD withstand voltage, it is necessary to arrange the NMOStransistor (HK3) with a gate width that does not cause the breakdownagainst the current flown from the PMOS transistor in the output circuitinto the NMOS transistor (HK3).

The current flown from the PMOS transistor of the output circuit (53)changes according to the size of the PMOS transistor. In leading-edgeLSIs, finer dimension technologies, high-speed operation, and lowervoltage operation have been achieved. A parasitic capacitance element ofthe NMOS transistor (HK3) affects response of the high-speed operation.For this reason, it is difficult to indiscriminately increase the sizeof the NMOS transistor (HK3) according to the size of the PMOStransistor in the output circuit (53).

The above described problem is solved by the invention schematicallyconfigured as follows.

A semiconductor integrated circuit device according to one aspect of thepresent invention, comprises: a plurality of power supply systems; asignal line connecting a circuit in one power supply system and acircuit in the other power supply system; and a circuit that restrains acurrent flowing from the circuit in said one power supply system intosaid signal line when an abnormal voltage is applied to said one powersupply system.

The semiconductor integrated circuit according to the present invention,comprises a circuit that restrains the current flowing from onetransistor in the one power supply system into other transistor in theother power system, the one transistor outputting a signal to the signalline, the other transistor receiving the signal through the signal line.The semiconductor integrated circuit device according to the presentinvention may include a circuit that restrains the current flowing intothe other transistor in the other power supply system when the abnormalvoltage is applied to the other power supply system, for the othertransistor in the other power supply system.

A semiconductor integrated circuit device according to another aspect ofthe present invention includes:

an output circuit with power thereof supplied from one power supplysystem;

an input circuit with power thereof supplied from other power supplysystem different from the one power supply system, signal transfer beingperformed between the output circuit and the input circuit through asignal line; and

a circuit that restrains a current flowing into the signal line when ESD(Electro-Static discharge) stress is applied.

The semiconductor integrated circuit device in the present inventionincludes:

a transistor with a current thereof being adjustably controlledaccording to a signal supplied to a control terminal thereof, saidtransistor being disposed at least one of between said output circuitand a high potential side power supply terminal in said one power supplysystem and between said output circuit and a low potential side powersupply terminal in said one power supply system; and

a control circuit that sets said transistor in an ON state at a time ofa normal operation, and that changes a signal level at the controlterminal of said transistor to limit the current that flows into saidsignal line, when the ESD stress is applied.

The semiconductor integrated circuit device in the present inventionincludes:

a transistor with a current thereof being adjustably controlledaccording to a signal supplied to a control terminal thereof, thetransistor being disposed at least one of between the input circuit anda high potential side power supply terminal in the other power supplysystem and between the input circuit and a low potential side powersupply terminal in the other power supply system; and

a control circuit that sets the transistor in an ON state at a time of anormal operation and changes a signal level at the control terminal ofthe transistor when the ESD stress is applied.

In the present invention, at least two cascode connected transistors arearranged at least one of between the signal line and the high potentialside power supply terminal and between the signal line and the lowpotential side power supply terminal.

In the present invention, the control circuit includes a series circuitcomprising a capacitance element and a resistance, disposed between thehigh potential side power supply terminal and the low potential sidepower supply terminal, and a connecting point between the capacitanceelement and the resistance is connected to the control terminal of thetransistor. Alternatively, in the present invention, the control circuitincludes a series circuit constituted from a diode and a resistance,disposed between the high potential side power supply terminal and thelow potential side power supply terminal, and a connecting point betweenthe diode and the resistance is connected to the control terminal of thetransistor.

In the present invention, one of diffusion layers of the transistor anda tap that gives a potential to a well with the diffusion layer formedtherein may be arranged in contact with each other, the transistor beingconnected at least one of between the output circuit (or the inputcircuit) and the high potential side power supply terminal and betweenthe output circuit (or the input circuit) and the low potential sidepower supply terminal, the tap being of a conductive type opposite to aconductive type of the diffusion layers of the transistor.

In the present invention, the output circuit may include: a firsttransistor between the signal line and a high potential side powersupply terminal in the one power supply system and a second transistorbetween the signal line and a low potential side power supply terminalin the one power supply system, an output of the output circuit beingconnected to the signal line; and

a control circuit that generates a signal to be supplied to controlterminals of the first and second transistors so that the first andsecond transistors are complementarily on/off controlled in response toan input signal received by the output circuit for being output to thesignal line at a time of a normal operation, and adjustably controls alevel at a control terminal of at least one of the first transistor andthe second transistor at a time of the application of the ESD stress tothe one power supply system, thereby limiting a current flowing from theoutput circuit to the signal line by the application of the ESD stress.

In the present invention, the control circuit may include:

a series circuit comprising a capacitance element and a resistance,disposed between the high potential side power supply terminal in theone power supply system and the low potential side power supply terminalin the one power supply system; and

a logic circuit that generates a signal based on a potential at aconnecting point between the capacitance element and the resistance andthe input signal, the logic circuit generating the signal that set thefirst transistor in an ON state and sets the second transistor in an OFFstate when the potential at the connecting point is of a level in whichthe application of the ESD stress is not detected and when the inputsignal is of a first value, and generating the signal that sets thefirst transistor in an OFF state and sets the second transistor in an ONstate when the potential at the connecting point is of a level in whichthe application of the ESD stress is not detected and when the inputsignal is of a second value, the logic circuit outputting to the controlterminals of the first and second transistors the signal that sets atleast one of the first transistor and the second transistor in an OFFstate when the potential at the connecting point of a level in which theapplication of the ESD stress is detected.

The meritorious effects of the present invention are summarized asfollows.

According to the present invention, when the ESD stress is applied, thecurrent that flows into the transistor which receives the input signalis restrained through the transistor that outputs the signal. The numberof elements which protect a gate oxide film of the transistor thatreceives the input signal, against the electro-static discharge, can bethereby reduced, or such an element can be reduced in size.

Further, according to the present invention, a parasitic capacitanceelement of the protection element is reduced, and an improvement inresponsiveness of a faster operation can be thereby expected.

Still other features and advantages of the present invention will becomereadily apparent to those skilled in this art from the followingdetailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawingswherein embodiments of the invention are shown and described, simply byway of illustration of the mode contemplated of carrying out thisinvention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other anddifferent embodiments, and its several details are capable ofmodifications in various obvious respects, all without departing fromthe invention. Accordingly, the drawing and description are to beregarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circuit according to afirst embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a controlcircuit in the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of thecontrol circuit in the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of other configuration in thefirst embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circuit according to asecond embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a controlcircuit in the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing other configuration of the control circuitin the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circuit according to athird embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a controlcircuit in the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing other configuration of the control circuitin the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circuit according to afourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a controlcircuit in the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing other configuration of the control circuitin the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circuit according to afifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a controlcircuit in the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing other configuration of the control circuitin the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circuit according to asixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a controlcircuit in the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing other configuration of the control circuitin the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D include diagrams showing layoutconfigurations in the embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 21A, 21B, 21C and 21D include diagrams showing layoutconfigurations in the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circuit according to aseventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circuit according toan eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circuit according to aninth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a configuration disclosed in PatentDocument 1; and

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a configuration disclosed in PatentDocument 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A description of the invention will be given with reference to appendeddrawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration according to a firstembodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a first powersupply system is provided from a power supply terminal VDD1 and a groundterminal GND1, while a second power supply system is provided from apower supply terminal VDD2 and a ground terminal GND2.

The first power supply system includes an ESD protection element E1, anoutput inverter circuit I1, and a PMOS transistor TP1 connected betweenthe output inverter circuit I1 and the power supply terminal VDD1. Thesecond power supply system includes an ESD protection element E2 and aninput inverter circuit I2. An output of the output inverter circuit I1in the first power supply system and an input of the input invertercircuit I2 in the second power supply system are connected through asignal line S1 that transfers a signal. Between the ground terminal GND1in the first power supply system and the ground terminal GND2 in thesecond power supply system, an ESD protection element E3 is connected.

Next, an operation in the first embodiment of the present invention willbe described. The output inverter circuit I1 in the first power supplysystem is composed by an NMOS transistor N1 and a PMOS transistor P1,and the PMOS transistor TP1 is connected between the PMOS transistor P1and the power supply terminal VDD1.

Referring to FIG. 1, when ESD is applied to the power supply terminalVDD1 with the ground terminal GND2 as a reference point, for example, acurrent flown into the PMOS transistor P1 of the output inverter circuitI1 can be restrained by arranging and controlling the PMOS transistorTP1. As a result, a current that flows into the signal line S1 throughthe PMOS transistor P1 can be restrained, thereby allowing limitation ofa potential difference Vgs between a gate of an NMOS transistor N2 ofthe input inverter circuit I2 and a source of the NMOS transistor N2within a voltage that might cause breakdown of a gate oxide film of theNMOS transistor N2. With this arrangement, breakdown of the gate of theNMOS transistor N2 can be prevented, and a stable ESD withstand voltagecan be thereby obtained.

Electric charge applied to the power supply terminal VDD1 by the ESDstress application is discharged to the ground terminal GND2 through theESD protection elements E1 and E3.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circuit in which acircuit C1 that controls a gate of the PMOS transistor TP1 is providedin the first embodiment of the present invention described withreference to FIG. 1. The configuration except for the control circuit C1that controls the gate of the PMOS transistor TP1 is the same as inFIG. 1. Below, a description of components that are the same as those inFIG. 1 will be omitted as necessary, and the description will be mainlydirected to a difference.

Referring to FIG. 2, in the control circuit C1, a resistance element R1is connected between the gate of the PMOS transistor TP1 and the groundterminal GND1, a capacitance element (capacitor) Q1 is connected betweenthe gate of the PMOS transistor TP1 and the power supply terminal VDD1,and the resistance element R1 and the capacitance element Q1 areconnected.

Since the gate of the PMOS transistor TP1 is connected to the groundterminal GND1 through the resistance element R1 of the control circuitC1, the PMOS transistor TP1 is set an ON state (conductive state) when anormal operation is performed, and does not affect an operation of thecircuit.

When the ESD stress is applied to the power supply terminal VDD1, withthe ground terminal GND2 as a reference point, electric charge isapplied to the capacitance element Q1 between the power supply terminalVDD1 and the gate of the PMOS transistor TP1.

By coupling of the electric charge applied to the capacitance elementQ1, a gate potential of the PMOS transistor TP1 increases to become thesame potential as a source potential of the PMOS transistor TP1. ThePMOS transistor TP1 thereby becomes the OFF state, and a current thatflows into the PMOS transistor P1 can be thereby restrained. As aresult, a current that flows into the signal line S1 through the PMOStransistor P1 can be limited. The breakdown of the gate oxide film ofthe NMOS transistor N2 can be thereby prevented, as described withreference to FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circuit in which acontrol circuit C2 of other configuration that controls the gate of thePMOS transistor TP1 is provided in a semiconductor device in the firstembodiment of the present invention described with reference to FIG. 1.The configuration except for the control circuit C2 is the same as inFIG. 1. Below, descriptions of components that are the same as those inFIG. 1 will be omitted as necessary, and a description will be mainlydirected a difference.

Referring to FIG. 3, in the control circuit C2, a resistance element R1is connected between the gate of the PMOS transistor TP1 and the groundterminal GND1, a diode element D1 is connected between the gate of thePMOS transistor TP1 and the power supply terminal VDD1, and theresistance element R1 and the diode element D1 are connected.

In the present embodiment, the PMOS transistor TP1 becomes the ON state(conductive state) when a normal operation is performed, and does notaffect an operation of the circuit, as in an example shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 3, when the ESD stress is applied to the power supplyterminal VDD1 with the ground terminal GND1 as a reference point, thediode element D1 is turned on due to avalanche breakdown of the diodeelement D1. Then, as in FIG. 2, the PMOS transistor TP1 becomes the OFFstate, and a current that flows into the PMOS transistor P1 can berestrained. As a result, a current that flows into the signal line S1through the PMOS transistor P1 can be limited. The breakdown of the gateoxide film of the NMOS transistor N2 can be thereby prevented, asdescribed with reference to FIG. 1.

In the present embodiment, an example is shown where the ESD protectionelement E3 is used for the connection between the ground terminal GND1of the first power supply system and the ground terminal GND2 of thesecond power system. A resistance element may be used for theconnection, or the connection may be short-circuited.

In the present embodiment, the control circuit C1 in FIG. 2 and thecontrol circuit C2 in FIG. 3 are not limited to configurations thatcontrol one PMOS transistor TP1. The control circuit C1 (or C2) maycontrol a plurality of output circuits, as shown in FIG. 4, for example.In an example shown in FIG. 4, an output of the control circuit C1 (at aconnecting point between the capacitance element Q1 and the resistanceelement R1) is connected to the output inverter circuit I1 and an outputinverter circuit I11, and is connected in common to the gate of the PMOStransistor TP1 and a gate of a PMOS transistor TP11 connected betweenthe power supplies.

The diode element D1 of the control circuit C2 in FIG. 3 may be ofcourse an arbitrary element that has a PN junction such as an NMOStransistor, a PMOS transistor, or a bipolar transistor.

Next, the present embodiment will be described with reference to layoutdiagrams in FIGS. 20A-20D. The PMOS transistors P1 and TP1 are formedaccording to each layout plan view in FIGS. 20A-20D, for example. InFIG. 20A, a source diffusion layer of the PMOS transistor P1 of theoutput inverter circuit I1 (or a PMOS transistor P2 of the inputinverter circuit I2) is separated from a drain diffusion layer of thePMOS transistor TP1 (a PMOS transistor TP2), and the source diffusionlayer and the drain diffusion layer are connected via contacts and afirst metal interconnect layer or the like. In FIG. 20B, the sourcediffusion layer of the PMOS transistor P1 of the output inverter circuitI1 (or the PMOS transistor P2 of the input inverter circuit I2) and thedrain diffusion layer of the PMOS transistor TP1 (TP2) are common.

As shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, an N-type diffusion layer (Tap) thatassumes an N well potential is often arranged separated from a P-typediffusion layer where the PMOS transistors P1 and TP1 are formed. Asdescribed before, since the gate of the PMOS transistor TP1 iscontrolled to turn the PMOS transistor TP1 off when the ESD stress isapplied. On this occasion, the PMOS transistor TP1 may operatesimultaneously with the ESD protection element (indicated by referencenumeral E1 in FIG. 1).

Then, in order to prevent the operation of the PMOS transistor TP1simultaneously with the ESD protection element (indicated by thereference numeral E1 in FIG. 1), it is effective to bring a P-typediffusion layer of the PMOS transistor TP1 into contact with the N-typediffusion layer (Tap) that assumes the N-well potential.

When the ESD stress is applied, an ESD surge flows into the draindiffusion layer through an N well resistance due to the avalanchebreakdown at the PN junction between an N well and the drain diffusionlayer of the PMOS transistor.

Due to a voltage drop caused by the N well resistance, a parasiticbipolar transistor of the PMOS transistor operates, and an ESD surgecurrent flows between a source of the parasitic bipolar transistor and adrain of the parasitic bipolar transistor. However, by bringing theP-type diffusion layer of the PMOS transistor TP1 into contact with theN-type diffusion layer (Tap) that assumes the N well potential, the Nwell resistance decreases, and the voltage drop is thereby reduced.Accordingly, the parasitic bipolar transistor of the PMOS transistor TP1will not operate. As a result, the PMOS transistor keeps the OFF state,making it easy to limit the current that flows into the PMOS transistorP1.

As described above, the PMOS transistor TP1 is provided between the PMOStransistor P1 in the output inverter circuit I1 and the power supplyterminal VDD1, and the gate of the PMOS transistor TP1 is controlled, inthe first embodiment of the present invention. The current that flowsinto the PMOS transistor P1 can be thereby limited, and the current thatflows into the signal line S1 from the PMOS transistor P1 can berestrained. For this reason, the potential difference Vgs between thegate of the NMOS transistor N2 and the source of the NMOS transistor N2in the input inverter circuit I2 can be limited within a voltage thatmight cause the breakdown of the gate oxide film of the NMOS transistorN2. For this reason, according to the first embodiment, the number ofprotection elements (HK3) that prevent the breakdown of the gate oxidefilm, shown in FIG. 26 can be reduced, or such a protection element(HK3) can be reduced in size.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circuit according to asecond embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, samereference numerals are assigned to components that are the same as thosein FIG. 1. Below, descriptions of the same components will be omitted asnecessary, and a description will be directed to a difference.

Referring to FIG. 5, the second embodiment of the present inventionincludes an NMOS transistor TN1 connected between the output invertercircuit I1 and the ground terminal GND1, in place of the PMOS transistorTP1 in FIG. 1.

The output inverter circuit I1 in the first power supply system iscomposed by the NMOS transistor N1 and the PMOS transistor P1, and theNMOS transistor TN1 is connected between the NMOS transistor N1 and theground terminal GND1.

Referring to FIG. 5, when the ESD stress is applied to the groundterminal GND1 with the power supply terminal VDD2 as a reference point,for example, a current flown into the NMOS transistor N1 can berestrained by arranging and controlling the NMOS transistor TN1. As aresult, a current that flows into the signal line S1 through the NMOStransistor N1 can be restrained, thereby allowing limitation of apotential difference Vgs between a gate of the PMOS transistor P2 and asource of the PMOS transistor P2 within a voltage that causes breakdownof a gate oxide film of the PMOS transistor P2. Breakdown of the gate ofthe PMOS transistor P2 is thereby prevented, and a stable ESD withstandvoltage can be thereby obtained. An electric charge injected into theground terminal GND1 by the ESD stress application is discharged to thepower supply terminal VDD2 through the ESD protection elements E3 andE2.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circuit in which acircuit C3 that controls a gate of the NMOS transistor TN1 is providedin a semiconductor device in the second embodiment of the presentinvention. Referring to FIG. 6, same reference numerals are assigned tocomponents that are the same as those in FIG. 5. Below, descriptions ofthe same components will be omitted as necessary, and a description willbe mainly directed to a difference.

Referring to FIG. 6, the circuit C3 that controls a gate potential ofthe NMOS transistor TN1 connected between the output inverter circuit I1and the ground terminal GND1 is included.

In the control circuit C3, a resistance element R2 is connected betweenthe gate of the NMOS transistor TN1 and the power supply terminal VDD1,a capacitance element Q2 is connected between the gate of the TMOStransistor TN1 and the ground terminal GND1, and the resistance elementR2 and the capacitance element Q2 are connected. The gate of the NMOStransistor TN1 is connected to the power supply VDD1 through theresistance element R2 of the control circuit C3. For this reason, theNMOS transistor TN1 becomes the ON state (conductive state) when anormal operation is performed, and does not affect an operation of thecircuit.

Referring to FIG. 6, when the ESD stress is applied to the groundterminal GND1 with the power supply terminal VDD2 as a reference point,electric charge is charged into the capacitance element Q2 between theground terminal GND1 and the gate of the NMOS transistor TN1. Bycoupling of the electric charge applied to the capacitance element Q2,the gate potential of the NMOS transistor TN1 increases to become thesame potential as a source potential of the NMOS transistor TN1. TheNMOS transistor TN1 thereby becomes the OFF state, and a current thatflows into the NMOS transistor N1 can be thereby restrained. As aresult, a current that flows into the signal line S1 through the NMOStransistor N1 can be limited. The breakdown of the gate oxide film ofthe PMOS transistor P2 can be thereby prevented, as described withreference to FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circuit in which acontrol circuit C4 that controls the gate of the NMOS transistor TN 1 isprovided in the second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, the control circuit C4 includes an inverter circuitconstituted from an NMOS transistor N3 and a PMOS transistor P3, and thegate of the NMOS transistor TN1 is connected to an output node (coupleddrains of the NMOS transistor N3 and the PMOS transistor P3) of theinverter circuit. The resistance element R1 is connected between aninput node of this inverter circuit (coupled gates of the NMOStransistor N3 and the PMOS transistor P3) and the ground terminal GND1,and the capacitance element Q1 is connected between the input node andthe power supply terminal VDD1. As in FIG. 6, the NMOS transistor TN1becomes the ON state (conductive state) when a normal operation isperformed, and does not affect an operation of the circuit.

Referring to FIG. 7, when the ESD stress is applied to the power supplyterminal VDD1 with the ground terminal GND2 as a reference point,electric charge is charged into the capacitance element Q1 through theESD protection element E1. Then, due to an operation similar to that inFIG. 2, the PMOS transistor P3 becomes the OFF state, and the NMOStransistor TN1 becomes the OFF state due to an output signal of theinverter circuit constituted from the PMOS transistor P3 and the NMOStransistor N3.

Accordingly, a current that flows into the NMOS transistor N1 can berestricted. As a result, a current that flows into the signal line S1through the NMOS transistor N1 can be limited. The breakdown of the gateoxide film of the PMOS transistor P2 can be prevented, as described withreference to FIG. 5.

Next, the embodiment of the present invention will be described withreference to FIGS. 21A-21D. The NMOS transistors N1 and TN1 are formedaccording to each layout plan view in FIGS. 21A-21D, for example. InFIG. 21A, a source diffusion layer of the NMOS transistor N1 of theoutput inverter circuit I1 (or the NMOS transistor N2 of the inputinverter circuit I2) is separated from a drain diffusion layer of theNMOS transistor TN1 (an NMOS transistor TN2), and the source diffusionlayer and the drain diffusion layer are mutually connected via contactsand a first interconnect layer or the like. In FIG. 21B, the sourcediffusion layer of the NMOS transistor N1 of the output inverter circuitI1 (or the NMOS transistor N2 of the input inverter circuit I2) and thedrain diffusion layer of the NMOS transistor TN1 (TN2) are common.

As shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, a P-type diffusion layer (Tap) thatassumes a P well potential is often arranged separated from an N-typediffusion layer where the NMOS transistors N1 and TN1 are formed. Asdescribed before, since the gate of the NMOS transistor TN1 iscontrolled to turn the NMOS transistor TN1 off when the ESD stress isapplied. On this occasion, the NMOS transistor TN1 may operatesimultaneously with the ESD protection element (indicated by referencenumeral E1 in FIG. 5).

Then, in order to prevent the NMOS transistor TN1 from operatingsimultaneously with the ESD protection element (indicated by referencenumeral E1 in FIG. 5), it is effective to bring the N-type diffusionlayer of the NMOS transistor TN1 into contact with the P-type diffusionlayer (Tap) that assumes the P-well potential.

When the ESD stress is applied, an ESD surge flows into the draindiffusion layer through a P well resistance due to the avalanchebreakdown at the PN junction between a P well and the drain diffusionlayer of the NMOS transistor.

Due to a voltage drop caused by the P well resistance, a parasiticbipolar transistor of the NMOS transistor operates, and an ESD surgecurrent flows between a source of the parasitic bipolar transistor and adrain of the parasitic bipolar transistor. However, by bringing theN-type diffusion layer of the NMOS transistor TN1 into contact with theP-type diffusion layer (Tap) that assumes the P well potential, the Pwell resistance decreases, and the voltage drop is thereby reduced.Accordingly, the parasitic bipolar transistor of the NMOS transistorwill not operate. As a result, the NMOS transistor TN1 keeps the OFFstate, making it easy to limit the current that flows into the NMOStransistor N1.

As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention,the NMOS transistor TN1 is provided between the NMOS transistor N1 inthe output inverter circuit I1 and the ground terminal GND1, and thegate of the NMOS transistor TN1 is controlled. The current that flowsinto the NMOS transistor N1 can be thereby limited, and the current thatflows into the signal line S1 from the NMOS transistor N1 can berestrained. For this reason, a potential difference Vgs between the gateof the PMOS transistor P2 and the source of the PMOS transistor P2 inthe input inverter circuit I2 can be limited within the voltage thatmight cause the breakdown of the gate oxide film of the PMOS transistorP2. As a result, the number of the protection elements can be reduced,or the protection element can be reduced in size.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the transistor thatlimits an ESD current is provided between the output inverter circuitand the ground terminal GND1. Thus, when the ESD stress is applied tothe ground terminal GND1 with the power supply terminal VDD2 as thereference point, the potential difference Vgs on the gate oxide film ofthe PMOS transistor P2 of the input inverter circuit I2 can be reducedto a voltage that might cause the breakdown of the gate oxide film, orless. Thus, the breakdown of the gate of the PMOS transistor P2 can beprevented.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circuit according to athird embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is configuredto combine the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with the secondembodiment shown in FIG. 5. Referring to FIG. 8, same reference numeralsare assigned to components that are the same as those in FIGS. 1 and 5,and descriptions of the same components will be omitted. This embodimentincludes the PMOS transistor TP1 between the output inverter circuit I1and the power supply terminal VDD1 and the NMOS transistor TN1 betweenthe output inverter circuit I1 and the ground GND1.

Referring to FIG. 8, the output inverter circuit I1 in the first powersupply system is composed by the NMOS transistor N1 and the PMOStransistor P1. Between the PMOS transistor P1 and the power supplyterminal VDD1, the PMOS transistor TP1 is connected. Between the NMOStransistor N1 and the ground terminal GND1, the NMOS transistor TN1 isconnected.

Referring to FIG. 8, when the ESD stress is applied to the power supplyterminal VDD1 with the ground terminal GND2 as a reference point, forexample, the same effect as that in FIG. 1 is obtained. When the ESDstress is applied to the ground terminal GND1 with the power supplyterminal VDD2 as a reference point as well, the same effect as that inFIG. 5 is obtained.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circuit in which acircuit C5 that controls the gates of the PMOS transistor TP1 and theNMOS transistor TN1, respectively, is provided. Referring to FIG. 9, thecontrol circuit C5 includes the control circuit C1 in FIG. 2, (whichcontrols the gate of the PMOS transistor TP1), and the control circuitC3 in FIG. 6, (which controls the gate of the NMOS transistor TN1).

Referring to FIG. 9, the PMOS transistor TP1 is connected between thePMOS transistor P1 of the output inverter circuit I1 and the powersupply terminal VDD1, and the NMOS transistor TN1 is connected betweenthe NMOS transistor N1 of the output inverter circuit I1 and the groundterminal GND1. To the gates of the NMOS transistor TN1 and the PMOStransistor TP1, the circuit C5 that controls potentials of the gates ofthe NMOS transistor TN1 and the PMOS transistor TP1 is connected.

The control circuit C5 comprises a capacitance element Q1 connectedbetween the gate of the PMOS transistor TP1 and the power supplyterminal VDD1, a resistance element R1 connected between the capacitanceelement Q1 and the ground terminal GND1, a resistance element R2connected between the gate of the NMOS transistor TN1 and the powersupply terminal VDD1, and a capacitance element Q2 connected between theground terminal GND1 and the resistance element R2. As in FIGS. 2 and 6,in the present embodiment as well, the PMOS transistor TP1 becomes theON state (conduction stage) at a time of a normal operation, and doesnot affect an operation of the circuit.

Referring to FIG. 9, when the ESD stress is applied to the power supplyterminal VDD1 with the ground terminal GND2 as a reference point, forexample, the same effect as that in FIG. 2 is obtained. When the ESDstress is applied to the ground terminal GND1 with the power supplyterminal VDD2 as a reference point as well, the same effect as that inFIG. 6 is obtained.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circuit in which acircuit C4 that controls the gates of the PMOS transistor TP1 and theNMOS transistor TN1, respectively, is provided in the third embodimentof the present invention. A configuration of the control circuit C4 isthe same as in FIG. 7.

Referring to FIG. 10, the third embodiment of the present invention is aconfiguration that combines FIG. 2 with the FIG. 7. As in FIGS. 2 and 7,the NMOS transistor TN1 and the PMOS transistor TP1 become the ON states(conductive states), respectively, at a time of a normal operation, anddo not affect an operation of the circuit.

Referring to FIG. 10, when the ESD stress is applied to the power supplyterminal VDD1 with the ground terminal GND2 as a reference point, forexample, or the ESD stress is applied to the ground terminal GND1 withthe power supply terminal VDD2 as a reference point, the same effect asthat in FIG. 9 is obtained.

As described above, in the third embodiment of the present invention,the potential difference Vgs applied between the gate of the PMOStransistor P2 and the source of the PMOS transistor P2 in the inputinverter circuit I2 or the potential difference Vgs applied between thegate of the NMOS transistor N2 and the source of the NMOS transistor N2can be limited within the voltage that might cause the breakdown of thegate oxide film of the PMOS transistor P2 or the NMOS transistor N2. Thebreakdown of the gate of the PMOS transistor P2 of the input invertercircuit I2 or the breakdown of the gate oxide film of the NMOStransistor N2 of the input inverter circuit I2 can be prevented. As aresult, the number of the protection elements can be reduced, or theprotection element can be reduced in size.

In the first embodiment, a protection circuit when the ESD stress isapplied between the terminal VDD1 and the terminal GND2 is shown. In thesecond embodiment, a protection circuit when the ESD stress is appliedbetween the terminal GND1 and the terminal VDD2 is shown. According tothis third embodiment, even if the ESD stress is applied both betweenthe terminal VDD1 and the terminal GND2 and between the terminal VDD2and the terminal GND1, the breakdown of the gates of the PMOS transistorP2 and the NMOS transistor N2 that constitute the input inverter circuitI2 can be prevented. Thus, the third embodiment provides more excellentprotection capability as compared with the first and second embodiments.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circuit of asemiconductor device according to a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention. Referring to FIG. 11, same reference numerals are assigned tocomponents that are the same as those in FIG. 1, and descriptions of thesame components will be omitted. Referring to FIG. 11, a PMOS transistorTP2 connected between the PMOS transistor P2 of the input invertercircuit I2 and the power supply terminal VDD2 is arranged.

Next, an operation of the fourth embodiment of the present inventionwill be described. The input inverter circuit I2 in the second powersupply system is composed by the NMOS transistor N2 and the PMOStransistor P2. Between the PMOS transistor P2 and the power supplyterminal VDD2, the PMOS transistor TP2 is connected.

Referring to FIG. 11, when the ESD stress is applied to the power supplyterminal VDD2 with the ground terminal GND1 as a reference point, forexample, a current that flows into the PMOS transistor P2 can berestrained by arranging and controlling the PMOS transistor TP2. As aresult, an increase in a source potential of the PMOS transistor P2 isrestrained, and a potential difference Vgs applied between the gate ofthe PMOS transistor P2 of the input inverter circuit I2 and the sourceof the PMOS transistor P2 can be limited within the voltage that mightcause the breakdown of the gate oxide film of the PMOS transistor P2.The breakdown of the gate of the PMOS transistor P2 can be therebyprevented, and a stable ESD withstand voltage can be obtained.Meanwhile, electric charge applied to the power supply terminal VDD2 bythe ESD stress application is discharged to the ground terminal GND1through the ESD protection elements E2 and E3.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circuit in which acircuit C6 that controls a gate of the PMOS transistor TP2 is providedin the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 12,same reference numerals are assigned to components that are the same asthose in FIG. 11. Below, descriptions of the same components will beomitted as necessary, and a description will mainly directed to adifference. The control circuit C6 has the same configuration as thecontrol circuit C1 in FIG. 2.

In the control circuit C6, a resistance element R3 is connected betweenthe gate of the PMOS transistor TP2 and the ground terminal GND2, and acapacitance element Q3 is connected between the gate of the PMOStransistor TP2 and the power supply terminal VDD2. When a normaloperation is performed, the PMOS transistor TP2 becomes the ON state(conductive state) like the transistor in FIG. 2, and does not affect anoperation of the circuit.

Referring to FIG. 12, when the ESD stress is applied to the power supplyterminal VDD2 with the ground terminal GND1 as a reference point, thePMOS transistor TP2 becomes the OFF state according to an operationsimilar to that in FIG. 2. As a result, as described with reference toFIG. 11, the breakdown of the gate oxide film of the PMOS transistor P2can be prevented.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circuit where acontrol circuit C7, which is other configuration that controls the gateof the PMOS transistor TP2, is provided in the fourth embodiment of thepresent invention. The control circuit C7 has the same configuration asthe control circuit C2 in FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 13, in the control circuit C7, the resistance elementR3 is connected between the gate of the PMOS transistor TP2 and theground terminal GND2, and a diode element D3 is connected between thegate of the PMOS transistor TP2 and the power supply terminal VDD2. Theresistance element R3 and the diode element D3 are connected. When anormal operation is performed, the PMOS transistor TP2 becomes the ONstate (conductive state) as in FIG. 12, and does not affect an operationof the circuit.

Referring to FIG. 13, when the ESD stress is applied to the power supplyterminal VDD2 with the ground terminal GND1 as a reference point in thesame manner as described before, the PMOS transistor TP2 becomes OFFstate according to an operation similar to that in FIG. 3. As a result,as described with reference to FIG. 11, the breakdown of the gate oxidefilm of the PMOS transistor P2 can be prevented, as described withreference to FIG. 11.

As described above, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention,the PMOS transistor TP2 is provided between the PMOS transistor P2 ofthe input inverter circuit I2 and the power supply terminal VDD2. Bycontrolling the gate of the PMOS transistor TP2, a current that flowsinto the PMOS transistor P2 can be limited, and an increase in thesource potential of the PMOS transistor P2 can be restrained. Thepotential difference Vgs applied between the gate of the PMOS transistorP2 and the source of the PMOS transistor P2 in the input invertercircuit I2 can be therefore limited within the voltage that might causethe breakdown of the gate oxide film of the PMOS transistor P2. As aresult, the number of the protection elements that prevent the breakdownof the gate oxide film can be reduced, or the protection element can bereduced in size.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the NMOS transistorthat limits the ESD current is provided between the output invertercircuit and the ground terminal GND1, thereby preventing the breakdownof the gate of the PMOS transistor P2. In the fourth embodiment of thepresent invention, the PMOS transistor that limits the ESD current isprovided between the input inverter circuit and the power supplyterminal VDD2. The current that flows into the PMOS transistor P2 can bethereby limited, and the potential difference Vgs applied to the gateoxide film of the PMOS transistor P2 of the input inverter circuit I2can be reduced to a voltage that might cause the breakdown of the gateoxide film, or less. For this reason, when the ESD stress is applied tothe power supply terminal VDD2 with the ground terminal GND1 as thereference point, for example, the breakdown of the gate of the PMOStransistor P2 can be prevented.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circuit of asemiconductor device according to a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention. Referring to FIG. 14, same reference numerals are assigned tocomponents that are the same as those in FIG. 1. Below, descriptions ofthe same components will be omitted as necessary, and a description willbe mainly directed to a difference.

While there is provided the PMOS transistor TP1 connected between thePMOS transistor P1 of the output inverter circuit I1 and the powersupply terminal VDD1 in FIG. 1, the NMOS transistor TN2 connectedbetween the NMOS transistor N2 of the input inverter circuit I2 and theground terminal GND2 is provided in the configuration in FIG. 14.

That is, referring to FIG. 14, the input inverter circuit I2 in thesecond power supply system is composed by the NMOS transistor N2 and aPMOS transistor P2, and the NMOS transistor TN2 is connected between theNMOS transistor N2 and the ground terminal GND2.

Referring to FIG. 14, when the ESD stress is applied to the groundterminal GND2 with the power supply terminal VDD1 as a reference point,for example, a current that flows into the NMOS transistor N2 can berestrained by arranging and controlling the NMOS transistor TN2. As aresult, an increase in a source potential of the NMOS transistor N2 isrestrained, and the potential difference Vgs applied between the gate ofthe NMOS transistor N2 of the input inverter circuit I2 and the sourceof the NMOS transistor N2 can be limited within the voltage that mightcause the breakdown of the gate oxide film of the NMOS transistor N2.The breakdown of the gate of the NMOS transistor N2 can be therebyprevented, and a stable ESD withstand voltage can be obtained. Electriccharge applied to the ground terminal GND2 by the ESD stress applicationis discharged to the power supply terminal VDD1 through the ESDprotection elements E3 and E1.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circuit in which acircuit C8 that controls the gate of the NMOS transistor TN2 is providedin a semiconductor device in the fifth embodiment of the presentinvention. Referring to FIG. 15, same reference numerals are assigned tocomponents that are the same as those in FIG. 14. Below, descriptions ofthe same components will be omitted as necessary, and a description willmainly directed to a difference. The control circuit C8 has the sameconfiguration as the control circuit C3 in FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 15, in the control circuit C8, a resistance element R4is connected between the gate of the TMOS transistor TN2 and the powersupply terminal VDD2, and a capacitance element Q4 is connected betweenthe gate of the TMOS transistor TN2 and the ground terminal GND2. When anormal operation is performed, the TMOS transistor TN2 becomes the ONstate (conductive state) as in FIG. 6, and does not affect an operationof the circuit.

Referring to FIG. 15, when the ESD stress is applied to the groundterminal GND2 with the power supply terminal VDD1 as a reference point,the NMOS transistor TN2 becomes the OFF state according to an operationsimilar to that in FIG. 6. As a result, as described with reference toFIG. 14, the breakdown of the gate oxide film of the NMOS transistor N2can be prevented.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circuit in which acontrol circuit C9, which has other configuration that controls the gateof the NMOS transistor TN2, is provided in a semiconductor device in thefifth embodiment of the present invention. Since the control circuit C9has the same configuration as the control circuit C4 in FIG. 7, adescription of the control circuit C9 will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 16, when a normal operation is performed, the NMOStransistor TN2 becomes the ON state (conductive state) as in FIG. 15 anddoes not affect an operation of the circuit.

Referring to FIG. 16, when the ESD stress is applied to the groundterminal GND2 with the power supply terminal VDD1 as a reference point,the NMOS transistor TN2 becomes the OFF state due to an operationsimilar to that in FIG. 7. As a result, as described with reference toFIG. 14, the breakdown of the gate of the NMOS transistor N2 can beprevented.

As described above, in the fifth embodiment of the present invention,the NMOS transistor TN2 is provided between the NMOS transistor N2 ofthe input inverter circuit I2 and the ground terminal GND2, and the gateof the NMOS transistor TN2 is controlled. Thus, the current that flowsinto the NMOS transistor N2 can be limited, and the increase in thesource potential of the NMOS transistor N2 can be thereby restrained.The potential difference Vgs applied between the gate of the NMOStransistor N2 in the input inverter circuit I2 and the source of theNMOS transistor N2 can be limited within the voltage that might causethe breakdown of the gate oxide film of the NMOS transistor N2. As aresult, the number of the protection elements that prevent the breakdownof the gate oxide film can be reduced, or the protection element can bereduced in size.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the PMOS transistorthat limits the ESD current is provided between the output invertercircuit and the power supply terminal VDD1, thereby preventing thebreakdown of the gate of the NMOS transistor N2. In the fifth embodimentof the present invention, the NMOS transistor that limits the ESDcurrent is provided between the input inverter circuit and the groundterminal GND2. The current that flows into the NMOS transistor N2 can bethereby limited, and the potential difference Vgs applied to the gateoxide film of the NMOS transistor N2 of the input inverter circuit I2can be reduced to a voltage that might cause the breakdown of the gateoxide film, or less. For this reason, when the ESD stress is applied tothe ground terminal GND2 with the power supply terminal VDD1 as thereference point, the breakdown of the gate of the NMOS transistor N2 canbe prevented.

Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circuit of asemiconductor device according to a sixth embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 17 is configured to combine the fourth embodiment shownin FIG. 11 with the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 14. Same referencenumerals are assigned to components that are the same as those in FIGS.11 and 14. Below, descriptions of the same components will be omitted,and a description will be directed to a difference.

Referring to FIG. 17, the input inverter circuit I2 in the second powersupply system is composed by the NMOS transistor N2 and the PMOStransistor P2. The PMOS transistor TP2 is connected between the PMOStransistor P2 and the power supply terminal VDD2, and the NMOStransistor TN2 is connected between the NMOS transistor N2 and theground terminal GND2.

Referring to FIG. 17, when the ESD stress is applied to the power supplyterminal VDD2 with the ground terminal GND1 as a reference point, forexample, the same effect as that in FIG. 11 is obtained. When the ESDstress is applied to the ground terminal GND2 with the power supplyterminal VDD1 as a reference point as well, the same effect as that inFIG. 14 is obtained.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circuit in which acircuit C10 that controls the gate of the PMOS transistor TP2 and thegate of the NMOS transistor TN2 is provided in a semiconductor device inthe sixth embodiment of the present invention. The control circuit C10combines the control circuit C6 shown in FIG. 12 and the control circuitC8 shown in FIG. 15. Referring to FIG. 18, same reference numerals areassigned to components that are the same as those in FIGS. 12 and 15.Below, descriptions of the same components will be omitted as necessary,and a description will mainly directed to a difference.

Referring to FIG. 18, the PMOS transistor TP2 is connected between thePMOS transistor P2 of the output inverter circuit I2 and the powersupply terminal VDD2, and the NMOS transistor TN2 is connected betweenthe NMS transistor N2 of the output inverter circuit I2 and the groundterminal GND2. To the gates of the NMOS transistor TN2 and the PMOStransistor TP2, the circuit C10 that controls potentials of the gates ofthe NMOS transistor TN2 and the PMOS transistor TP2 is connected.

The control circuit C10 comprises a capacitance element Q3 connectedbetween the gate of the PMOS transistor TP2 and the power supplyterminal VDD2, a resistance element R3 Connected between the capacitanceelement Q3 and the ground terminal GND2, a resistance element R4connected between the gate of the NMOS transistor TN2 and the powersupply terminal VDD2, and a capacitance element Q4 connected between theresistance element R4 and the ground terminal GND2.

The control circuit C10 operates as in FIGS. 12 and 15. When a normaloperation is performed, the PMOS transistor TP2 and the NMOS transistorTN2 become the ON states (conductive states), respectively, and do notaffect an operation of the circuit.

Referring to FIG. 18, when the ESD stress is applied to the power supplyterminal VDD2 with the ground terminal GND1 as a reference point, thesame effect as that in FIG. 12 is obtained. When the ESD stress isapplied to the ground terminal GND2 with the power supply terminal VDD1as a reference point as well, the same effect as that in FIG. 15 isobtained.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circuit in which thecircuit C9, which is other configuration that controls the gate of thePMOS transistor TP2 and the gate of the NMOS transistor TN2, is providedin a semiconductor device in the sixth embodiment of the presentinvention. The configuration of the control circuit C9 is the same asthat in FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 combines FIGS. 12 and 16. As in FIGS. 12 and 16, the NMOStransistor TN2 and the PMOS transistor TP2 become the ON states(conductive states), respectively, when a normal operation is performed,and do not affect an operation of the circuit.

Referring to FIG. 19, when the ESD stress is applied to the power supplyterminal VDD2 with the ground terminal GND1 as a reference point, orwhen the ESD stress is applied to the ground terminal GND2 with thepower supply terminal VDD1 as a reference point, for example, the sameeffect as that in FIG. 18 is obtained.

As described above, in the sixth embodiment of the present invention,due to the same effect as those in the fourth and fifth embodiments, thebreakdown of the gate oxide film of the PMOS transistor P2 or the NMOStransistor N2 of the input inverter circuit I2 can be prevented. As aresult, the number of the protection elements can be reduced, or theprotection element can be reduced in size.

According to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, thetransistors are provided between the input inverter circuit and thepower supply terminal and between the input inverter circuit and theground terminal, respectively. In both cases where the ESD stress isapplied from the terminal VDD2 to the terminal GND1 and the ESD stressis applied from the terminal GND2 to the terminal VDD1, the breakdown ofthe gates of the PMOS transistor P2 and the NMOS transistor N2 thatconstitute the input inverter circuit I2 can be thereby prevented. Thesixth embodiment provides more excellent protection capability than thefourth and fifth embodiments of the present invention.

Seventh Embodiment

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circuit of asemiconductor device according to a seventh embodiment of the presentinvention. Referring to FIG. 22, same reference numerals are assigned tocomponents that are the same as those in FIG. 1. Descriptions of thesame components will be omitted, and a description will be mainlydirected to a difference. FIG. 22 shows the circuit configuration inwhich a circuit C11 that controls a gate of the PMOS transistor P1 inthe output inverter circuit I1 is provided.

Referring to FIG. 22, in the control circuit C11, a capacitance elementQ1 and a resistance element R1 are connected in series between the powersupply terminal VDD1 and the ground terminal GND1. Between the PMOStransistor P1 and a node between the capacitance element Q1 and theresistance element R1, an inverter circuit B2 and a NAND circuit A1 areconnected in series. An inverter element B1 is connected to a gate ofthe NMOS transistor N1.

The output inverter circuit I1 in the first power supply system iscomposed by the NMOS transistor N1 and the PMOS transistor P1.

Since the gate of the PMOS transistor P1 is connected to the groundterminal GND1 through the NAND circuit A1, inverter circuit B2, andresistance element R1, the gate of the PMOS transistor P1 is controlledby a value of an input signal (input signal to be output from the outputcircuit) to the NAND circuit A1.

The gate of the NMOS transistor N1 is connected to the input signal tothe NAND circuit A1 through the inverter circuit B1. Accordingly, anoutput signal of the output inverter circuit I1 is controlled by theinput signal to the NAND circuit A1, and does not affect an operation ofthe circuit.

Referring to FIG. 22, when the ESD stress is applied to the power supplyterminal VDD1 with the ground terminal GND2 as a reference point, forexample, electric charge is charged into the capacitance element Q1.Then, due to coupling of the electric charge applied to the capacitanceelement Q1, a gate potential of a PMOS transistor (not shown) of theinverter circuit B2 becomes the same as a source potential of the PMOStransistor (not shown) of the inverter circuit B2. An output of theinverter circuit B2 therefore goes Low. Since an output of the NANDcircuit A1 that receives the Low-level output of the inverter circuit B2goes High, the gate of the PMOS transistor P1 becomes the OFF state. Forthis reason, a current that flows into the signal line S1 through thePMOS transistor P1 can be limited. The breakdown of the gate oxide filmof the NMOS transistor N2 of the input inverter circuit I2 can bethereby prevented.

As described above, in the seventh embodiment of the present invention,a gate potential of the PMOS transistor P1 of the output invertercircuit I1 is controlled. The current that flows into the signal line S1from the PMOS transistor P1 can be thereby restrained, and the potentialdifference Vgs applied between the gate of the NMOS transistor N2 of theinput inverter circuit I2 and a source of the NMOS transistor N2 can bethereby limited within the voltage that might cause the breakdown of thegate oxide film of the NMOS transistor N2. As a result, the number ofthe protection elements ca be reduced, or the protection element can bereduced in size.

In the seventh embodiment of the present invention, by controlling thePMOS transistor P1 of the output inverter circuit I1 itself, drivingcapability can be more enhanced as compared with the first embodiment ofthe present invention.

Eighth Embodiment

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circuit according toan eighth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 23,same reference numerals are assigned to components that are the same asthose in FIG. 1. Below, descriptions of the same components will beomitted as necessary, and a description will be mainly directed to adifference.

Referring to FIG. 23, the present embodiment includes a circuit C12 thatcontrols the gate of the NMOS transistor N1 of the output invertercircuit I1.

In the control circuit C12, a capacitance element Q2 and a resistanceelement R2 are connected in series between the power supply terminalVDD1 and the ground terminal GND1. Between the NMOS transistor N1 and anode between the capacitance element Q2 and the resistance element R2,an inverter circuit B2 and a NOR circuit A2 are connected in series. Aninverter element B1 is connected to the gate of the PMOS transistor P1.

The output inverter circuit I1 in the first power supply system iscomposed by the NMOS transistor N1 and the PMOS transistor P1. Since thegate of the NMOS transistor N1 is connected to the power supply terminalVDD1 through the NOR circuit A2, inverter circuit B2, and resistanceelement R2, the gate of the NMOS transistor N1 is controlled by an inputsignal to the NOR circuit A2 when a normal operation is performed.

The gate of the PMOS transistor P1 is connected to the input signal tothe NOR circuit A2 through the inverter circuit B1. Accordingly, anoutput signal of the output inverter circuit I1 is controlled by theinput signal to the NOR circuit A2, and does not affect an operation ofthe circuit.

Referring to FIG. 23, when the ESD stress is applied to the groundterminal GND1 with the power supply terminal VDD2 as a reference point,for example, electric charge is charged into the capacitance element Q2.Then, due to coupling of the electric charge charged in the capacitanceelement Q2, a gate potential of an NMOS transistor of the invertercircuit B2 becomes the same as a source potential of the NMOS transistorof the inverter circuit B2. An output of the inverter circuit B2therefore goes High.

Since an output of the NOR circuit A2 therefore goes Low, the gate ofthe NMOS transistor N1 becomes the OFF state. A current that flows intothe signal line S1 through the NMOS transistor N1 can be limited. Thebreakdown of the gate oxide film of the PMOS transistor P2 can bethereby prevented.

As described above, in the eighth embodiment of the present invention,the gate of the NMOS transistor N1 of the output inverter circuit I1 iscontrolled. The current that flows into the signal line S1 from the NMOStransistor N1 can be thereby restrained, and the potential differenceVgs applied between the gate of the PMOS transistor P2 of the inputinverter circuit I2 and the source of the PMOS transistor P2 can bethereby limited within the voltage that might cause the breakdown of thegate oxide film of the PMOS transistor P2. As a result, the number ofthe protection elements can be reduced, or the protection element can bereduced in size.

In the eighth embodiment of the present invention, by controlling theNMOS transistor N1 of the output inverter circuit I1 itself, drivingcapability can be more enhanced as compared with the second embodimentof the present invention.

Ninth Embodiment

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circuit according to aninth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 24, samereference numerals are assigned to components that are the same as thosein FIG. 1. Below, descriptions of the same components will be omitted asnecessary, and a description will be mainly directed to a differencebelow.

Referring to FIG. 24, the ninth embodiment includes a circuit C13 thatcontrols the gates of the NMOS transistor N1 and the PMOS transistor P1of the output inverter circuit I1.

In the control circuit C13, a capacitance element Q1 and a resistanceelement R1 are connected in series between the power supply terminalVDD1 and the ground terminal GND1. Between the PMOS transistor P1 and anode between the capacitance element Q1 and the resistance element R1,an inverter circuit B2 and a NAND circuit A1 are connected in series. ANOR circuit A2 is connected to the gate of the NMOS transistor N1. Onesof input nodes of the NAND circuit A1 and the NOR circuit A2 areconnected through the inverter circuit B2, and the others of the inputnodes are connected in series.

The output inverter circuit I1 in the first power supply system iscomposed by the NMOS transistor N1 and the PMOS transistor P1. A circuitformed by combination of the control circuit C13 with the outputinverter circuit I1 becomes a three-state output circuit.

When a normal operation is performed, the gate of the PMOS transistor P1is controlled by an input signal to the NAND circuit A1 as in theseventh embodiment.

Since the gate of the NMOS transistor N1 is connected to the groundterminal GND1 through the NOR circuit and the resistance element R1, thegate of the NMOS transistor N1 is controlled by an input signal to theNOR circuit A2. Accordingly, the NMOS transistor N1 does not affect anoperation of the circuit.

Referring to FIG. 24, when the ESD stress is applied to the power supplyterminal VDD1 with the ground terminal GND2 as a reference point, forexample, the same effect as that in the seventh embodiment is obtained.Further, when the ESD stress is applied to the ground terminal GND1 withthe power supply terminal VDD2 as a reference point, the same effect asthat in the eighth embodiment is obtained.

As described above, in the ninth embodiment of the present invention, bycontrolling the gates of the PMOS transistor P1 and the NMOS transistorN1 of the output inverter circuit I1, a current that flows from the PMOStransistor P1 or the NMOS transistor N1 into the signal line S1 can berestrained. The potential difference Vgs applied to the gate of the NMOStransistor N2 of the input inverter circuit I2 and the source of theNMOS transistor N2 can be limited within the voltage that might causethe breakdown of the gate oxide film of the NMOS transistor N2.

Further, the potential difference Vgs applied between the gate of thePMOS transistor P2 and the source of the PMOS transistor P2 can belimited within the voltage that might cause the breakdown of the gateoxide film of the PMOS transistor P2. As a result, the number of theprotection elements can be reduced, or the protection element can bereduced in size.

In the ninth embodiment of the present invention, by controlling thePMOS transistor P1 and the NMOS transistor N1 of the output invertercircuit I1 themselves, the ninth embodiment provides more excellentprotection capability as compared with the seventh and eighthembodiments of the present invention. In addition, driving capabilitycan be more enhanced as compared with the third embodiment of thepresent invention.

According to the present invention, when a plurality of different powersupply systems are provided and an output signal of a circuit of onepower supply system is received by a circuit of the other power supplysystems in the form of an input signal, an arrangement that prevents agate breakdown of the input circuit for receiving the input signal isadopted. The number of the protection elements provided in aconventional device or the like or downsizing of the protection elementcan be performed. Accompanying this advantage, a parasitic capacitanceelement of the protection element is reduced, so that an improvement inresponse at a high speed operation is expected. Naturally, the presentinvention can also be applied to a device constituted from a pluralityof chips which have powers supplied from different power supply systemsrespectively, in addition to a configuration in which an LSI includes aplurality of power supply systems.

The above description was given in connection with the embodimentsdescribed above. The present invention is not limited to theconfigurations of the embodiments described above, and of courseincludes various variations and modifications that could be made bythose skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention.

It should be noted that other objects, features and aspects of thepresent invention will become apparent in the entire disclosure and thatmodifications may be done without departing the gist and scope of thepresent invention as disclosed herein and claimed as appended herewith.

Also it should be noted that any combination of the disclosed and/orclaimed elements, matters and/or items may fall under the modificationsaforementioned.

1. A protection circuit, comprising: a first power supply systemcomprising a first power supply and a first ground; a second powersupply system comprising a second power supply and a second ground, thesecond power supply system being connected to the first power supplysystem via a signal line through which signal transfer is performedbetween a circuit in the first power supply system and a circuit in thesecond power supply system; and a control circuit that, when coupled toan electro-static discharge (ESD) stress being applied to the firstpower supply system, controls a switch, wherein said switch is providedbetween the signal line and the first power supply, and wherein thecontrol circuit comprises a capacitance element and a resistance elementin series with the capacitance element, the capacitance element beingconnected between a gate of the switch and the first power supply. 2.The protection circuit according to claim 1, wherein the first powersupply system comprises a first inverter circuit that outputs aninverted signal of an input signal to said signal line, and wherein thesecond power supply system comprises a second inverter circuit thatoutputs an inverted signal of an input signal to said signal line. 3.The protection circuit according to claim 1, further comprising: a firstelectro-static discharge (ESD) protection element disposed between thefirst supply and the first ground; and a second ESD protection elementdisposed between the second supply and the second ground.
 4. Theprotection circuit according to claim 1, wherein, when an electriccharge is applied to the capacitance element when a stress current isapplied to the first power supply, the control circuit opens the switchto bypass a current through the circuit in the first power supplysystem.
 5. A protection circuit, comprising: a first power supply systemcomprising a first power supply and a first ground; a second powersupply system comprising a second power supply and a second ground, thesecond power supply system being connected to the first power supplysystem via a signal line through which signal transfer is performedbetween a circuit in the first power supply system and a circuit in thesecond power supply system; and a control circuit that, when coupled toan electro-static discharge (ESD) stress being applied to the firstpower supply system, controls a switch, wherein said switch is providedbetween the signal line and the first power supply, and wherein thecontrol circuit comprises a diode element and a resistance element inseries with the diode element, the diode element being connected betweena gate of the switch and a power supply in said first power supplysystem.
 6. The protection circuit according to claim 5, wherein, when anelectric charge is applied to the diode element when a stress current isapplied to the first power supply, the control circuit opens the switchto bypass a current through the circuit in the first power supplysystem.
 7. A protection circuit, comprising: a first power supply systemcomprising a first power supply and a first ground; a second powersupply system comprising a second power supply and a second ground, thesecond power supply system being connected to the first power supplysystem via a signal line through which signal transfer is performedbetween a circuit in the first power supply system and a circuit in thesecond power supply system; a control circuit that, when coupled to anelectro-static discharge (ESD) stress being applied to the first powersupply system, controls a first switch; and a second switch connectedbetween the first ground and the signal line, wherein the controlcircuit controls the second switch, wherein said first switch isprovided between the signal line and the first power supply, and whereinthe control circuit comprises a second capacitance element and a secondresistance element in series with the second capacitance element, thesecond capacitance element being connected between a gate of the secondswitch and the first ground.
 8. The protection circuit according toclaim 7, wherein, when an electric charge is applied to the secondcapacitance element when a stress current is applied to the firstground, the control circuit opens the first switch to bypass the signalline to the second power supply.
 9. A protection circuit, comprising: afirst power supply system comprising a first power supply and a firstground; a second power supply system comprising a second power supplyand a second ground, the second power supply system being connected tothe first power supply system via a signal line through which signaltransfer is performed between a circuit in the first power supply systemand a circuit in the second power supply system; a control circuit that,when coupled to an electro-static discharge (ESD) stress being appliedto the first power supply system, controls a first switch; and a secondswitch connected between the first ground and the signal line, whereinthe control circuit controls the second switch, wherein said switch isprovided between the signal line and the first power supply, and whereinthe control circuit comprises a second diode element and a secondresistance element in series with the second diode element, the seconddiode element being connected between a gate of the second switch andthe first ground.
 10. The protection circuit according to claim 9,wherein, when an electric charge is applied to the second diode elementwhen a stress current is applied to the first ground, the controlcircuit opens the first switch to bypass the signal line to the secondpower supply.
 11. A protection circuit, comprising: a first power supplysystem comprising a first power supply and a first ground; a secondpower supply system comprising a second power supply and a secondground, the second power supply system being connected to the firstpower supply system via a signal line through which signal transfer isperformed between a circuit in the first power supply system and acircuit in the second power supply system; and a control circuit that,when coupled to an ESD stress being applied to the first power supplysystem, controls a first switch and a second switch, wherein the controlcircuit comprises: a first capacitance element; a first resistanceelement provided in series with the first capacitance element, the firstcapacitance element being connected between a gate of the first switchand the first power supply; a second capacitance element; and a secondresistance element provided in series with the second capacitanceelement, the second capacitance element being connected between a gateof the second switch and the first ground, wherein said first switch isprovided between the signal line and the first power supply, and whereinsaid second switch is provided between the signal line and the firstground.
 12. A protection circuit, comprising: a first power supplysystem comprising a first power supply and a first ground; a secondpower supply system comprising a second power supply and a secondground, the second power supply system being connected to the firstpower supply system via a signal line through which signal transfer isperformed between a circuit in the first power supply system and acircuit in the second power supply system; and a control circuit that,when coupled to an ESD stress being applied to the first power supplysystem, controls a first switch and a second switch, wherein the controlcircuit comprises: a first diode element; a first resistance elementprovided in series with the first diode element, the first diode elementbeing connected between a gate of the first switch and the first powersupply; a second diode element; and a second resistance element providedin series with the second diode element, the second capacitance elementbeing connected between a gate of the second switch and the firstground, wherein said first switch is provided between the signal lineand the first power supply, and wherein said second switch is providedbetween the signal line and the first ground.